Mechanisms of steroid hormone action

Recent scientific evidences are pointing out that an infectious agent(s) may play an important role in the pathophysiology of certain neuropsychiatric disorders in children 1,11,17,19,20 . Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABS), and (possibly) other microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) have been implicated as causative agents in the ethiology of at least some cases of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders in children 1,8,19,20 , tic disorders (including Tourette's) 1,18,19,20 , Autistic Spectrum Disorders 10 and Anorexia Nervosa 17 . Presumed pathophysiological mechanisms are likely based on neurotropic auto immune antibody injury to the neurons 20 .